10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K Form 10-K
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File Number 1-5735

Union Financial Bancshares, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   57-1001177

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

203 West Main Street, Union, South Carolina   29379
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (864) 429-1864

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:

Common stock, par value $.01 per share

(Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨    No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(A) of the Act. Yes ¨    No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x    No ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or other information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendments to this Form 10-K. x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ¨                Accelerated filer ¨                Non-accelerated filer x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨    No x

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates, computed by reference to the average bid and asked price on February 27, 2006, was approximately $29,265,092 (1,672,291 shares at $17.50 per share). Solely for the purposes of this calculation it is assumed that directors and executive officers are affiliates of the registrant.

As of March 13, 2006, there were 1,895,525 shares of the registrant’s common stock issued and outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

1. Portions of the Annual Report to Shareholders for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2005 (Part II).

 

2. Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Part III).

 



Table of Contents

INDEX

 

           Page
   Part I   

Item 1.

   Business    1

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors    23

Item 1B.

   Unresolved Staff Comments    27

Item 2.

   Properties    27

Item 3.

   Legal Proceedings    27

Item 4.

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    27
   Part II   

Item 5.

   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities    27

Item 6.

   Selected Financial Data    28

Item 7.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis    28

Item 7A.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    28

Item 8.

   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data    28

Item 9.

   Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure    28

Item 9A.

   Controls and Procedures    28

Item 9B.

   Other Information    28
   Part III   

Item 10.

   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant    29

Item 11.

   Executive Compensation    30

Item 12.

   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters    30

Item 13.

   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions    31

Item 14.

   Principal Accountant Fees and Services    31
   Part IV   

Item 15.

   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules    32


Table of Contents

PART I

 

Item 1. Business

General

Union Financial Bancshares, Inc. (“Union Financial”) is the bank holding company for Provident Community Bank, N.A. (the “Bank”). Union Financial has no material assets or liabilities other than its investment in the Bank. Union Financial’s business activity primarily consists of directing the activities of the Bank. Accordingly, the information set forth in this report, including financial statements and related data, relates primarily to the Bank. Union Financial and the Bank are collectively referred to as the “Corporation” herein.

The Bank converted from a federal savings bank to a national bank charter in July 2003. The Bank’s operations are conducted through its main office in Union, South Carolina and six full-service banking centers, all of which are located in the upstate area of South Carolina. The Bank is regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”), is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (the “FHLB”) and its deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). In addition, Union Financial is a bank holding company, subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Board (the “FRB”).

On October 21, 2003, the Board of Directors of Union Financial changed the fiscal year end of the Corporation from September 30 to December 31, effective December 31, 2003.

The business of the Bank primarily consists of attracting deposits from the general public and originating loans to consumers and businesses. The Bank also maintains a portfolio of investment securities. The principal sources of funds for the Bank’s lending activities include deposits received from the general public, interest and principal repayments on loans and, to a lesser extent, borrowings from the FHLB and other parties. The Bank’s primary source of income is interest earned on loans and investments. The Bank’s principal expense is interest paid on deposit accounts and borrowings and expenses incurred in operating the Bank.

This annual report contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, estimates and expectations of future performance with respect to the financial condition and results of operations of the Corporation and other factors. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to various factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: changes in general economic and market conditions and the legal and regulatory environment in which the Corporation operates; the development of an interest rate environment that adversely affects the Corporation’s interest rate spread or other income anticipated from the Corporation’s operations; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; adverse changes in the securities markets; changes in accounting policies and practices; and increased competitive pressures among financial services companies. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Corporation does not undertake—and specifically disclaims any obligation—to publicly release the results of any revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

Competition

The Bank faces competition in both the attraction of deposit accounts and in the origination of mortgage, commercial and consumer loans. Its most direct competition for savings deposits historically has been derived from other commercial banks and thrift institutions located in and around Union, Laurens, Fairfield and York Counties, South Carolina. As of June 30, 2005, according to information presented on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s website, the Corporation held 42.3% of the deposits in Union County, which was the largest share of deposits out of four financial institutions in the county. Additionally, the Corporation held 22.9% of the deposits in Fairfield

 

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County, which was the third largest out of four financial institutions in the county, 7.4% of the deposits in Laurens County, which was the sixth largest share of deposits out of eight financial institutions in the county and 1.4% of the deposits in York County, which was the ninth largest out of 12 financial institutions in that county. However, the Corporation competes with super-regional banks, such as Wachovia Bank and SunTrust, and large regional banks, such as First-Citizens Bank and Trust Company of South Carolina and Carolina First Bank. These competitors have substantially greater resources and lending limits than does the Corporation and offer services that the Corporation does not provide. The Bank faces additional significant competition for investor funds from money market instruments and mutual funds. It competes for savings by offering depositors a variety of savings accounts, convenient office locations and other services.

The Bank competes for loans principally through the interest rates and loan fees it charges and the efficiency and quality of the services it provides borrowers, real estate brokers and home builders. The Bank’s competition for real estate loans comes principally from other commercial banks, thrift institutions, and mortgage banking companies.

Competition has increased and is likely to continue to increase as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and the continuing trend of consolidation in the financial services industry. Technological advances, for example, have lowered barriers to market entry, allowed banks to expand their geographic reach by providing services over the Internet and made it possible for non-depository institutions to offer products and services that traditionally have been provided by banks. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which permits affiliation among banks, securities firms and insurance companies, also has changed and may continue to change the competitive environment in which the Bank conducts business.

Average Balances, Interest and Average Yields/Cost

The following table sets forth certain information for the periods indicated regarding: (1) average balances of assets and liabilities; (2) the total dollar amounts of interest income from average interest-earning assets and interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities; and (3) average yields and costs. Such yields and costs for the periods indicated are derived by dividing income or expense by the average monthly balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented.

 

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     Years Ended December 31,    

Year Ended September 30,

2003

 
     2005     2004    
    

Average

Balance

   Interest    

Average

Yield/Cost

   

Average

Balance

   Interest    

Average

Yield/Cost

   

Average

Balance

   Interest    

Average

Yield/Cost

 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Interest-earning assets:

                     

Loans receivable, net (1)

   $ 179,844    $ 12,666     7.04 %   $ 160,131    $ 10,399     6.49 %   $ 157,265    $ 10,914     6.94 %

Mortgage-backed securities

     32,860      1,338     4.07       48,216      1,868     3.87       79,104      2,991     3.78  

Investment securities:

                     

Taxable

     99,404      4,214     4.24       91,630      3,715     4.05       52,459      2,115     4.03  

Nontaxable

     20,583      869     4.22       21,063      930     4.42       18,490      881     4.77  
                                                               

Total investment securities

     119,987      5,083     4.24       112,693      4,645     4.12       70,949      2,996     4.22  

Deposits and federal funds sold

     6,849      126     1.83       6,434      40     0.62       5,396      23     0.42  
                                                               

Total interest-earning assets

     339,540      19,213     5.66       327,474      16,952     5.18       312,714      16,924     5.41  

Non-interest-earning assets

     23,761          24,803          22,630     
                                 

Total assets

   $ 363,301        $ 352,277        $ 335,344     
                                 

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                     

Savings accounts

     17,678      77     0.43       17,966      72     0.40       15,639      116     0.74  

Negotiable order of withdrawal accounts (2)

     63,561      1,352     1.75       45,914      436     0.75       33,581      277     0.65  

Certificate accounts

     138,564      3,819     2.76       144,930      3,395     2.34       149,355      4,267     2.86  

FHLB advances and other borrowings

     102,099      3,722     3.65       103,639      3,343     3.23       97,900      4,042     4.13  
                                                               

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     321,902      8,970     2.67       312,449      7,246     2.23       296,475      8,702     2.85  

Non-interest-bearing deposits

     13,578          12,146          8,767     

Non-interest-bearing liabilities

     2,078          2,077          5,400     
                                 

Total liabilities

     337,558          326,672          310,642     

Shareholders’ equity

     25,743          25,605          24,702     
                                 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ Equity

   $ 363,301        $ 352,277        $ 335,344     
                                 

Net interest income

      $ 10,243          $ 9,706          $ 8,222    
                                       

Interest rate spread (3)

        2.99 %        2.95 %        2.56 %

Net interest margin (4)

        3.02 %          2.96 %          2.63 %  

Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities

     1.01x          1.01x          1.02x     

(1) Average loans receivable includes non-accruing loans. Interest income does not include interest on loans 90 days or more past due.

 

(2) Average costs include the affects of non-interest bearing deposits.

 

(3) Represents difference between weighted average yield on all interest-earning assets and weighted average rate on all interest-bearing liabilities.

 

(4) Represents net interest income before provision for loan losses as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.

 

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Lending Activities

General. Set forth below is selected data relating to the composition of the Bank’s loan portfolio on the dates indicated (dollars in thousands).

 

     At December 31,     At September 30,  
     2005     2004     2003     2002     2001  
     Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent  

Real estate loans:

                    

Residential

   $ 36,560     18.99 %   $ 43,556     25.46 %   $ 55,647     36.39 %   $ 88,746     54.92 %   $ 110,109     69.66 %

Commercial

     45,665     23.71       43,351     25.34       40,372     26.40       31,465     19.48       16,299     10.31  

Multi-family and construction

                    

Loans

     4,842     2.51       3,823     2.23       2,170     1.42       5,514     3.41       12,259     7.76  
                                                                      

Total real estate loans

     87,067     45.21       90,730     53.03       98,189     64.21       125,725     77.81       138,667     87.73  

Consumer and installment

Loans

     39,876     20.71       30,826     18.02       25,445     16.64       25,884     16.02       22,662     14.33  

Commercial loans

     70,668     36.70       54,796     32.02       33,859     22.14       16,100     9.96       5,593     3.54  
                                                                      

Total loans

     197,611     102.62       176,352     103.07       157,493     102.99       167,709     103.79       166,922     105.60  
                                                                      

Less:

                    

Undisbursed loans in process

     (1,980 )   (1.03 )     (2,363 )   (1.38 )     (1,392 )   (0.91 )     (3,204 )   (1.97 )     (6,108 )   (3.86 )

Loan discount Unamortized

     (764 )   (0.40 )     (993 )   (0.58 )     (1,448 )   (0.95 )     (1,685 )   (1.04 )     (1,922 )   (1.22 )

Allowance for loan Losses

     (2,394 )   (1.24 )     (2,026 )   (1.18 )     (1,842 )   (1.20 )     (1,371 )   (0.85 )     (1,080 )   (0.68 )

Deferred loan fees

     104     0.05       124     0.07       110     0.07       127     0.07       251     0.16  
                                                                      

Net loans receivable

   $ 192,577     100.00 %   $ 171,094     100.00 %   $ 152,921     100.00 %   $ 161,576     100.00 %   $ 158,063     100.00 %
                                                                      

The following table sets forth, at December 31, 2005, certain information regarding the dollar amount of principal repayments for loans becoming due during the periods indicated (in thousands). Demand loans (loans having no stated schedule of repayments and no stated maturity) and overdrafts are reported as due in one year or less.

 

    

Due

Within

One Year

  

Due
After

1 Year

Through

5 Years

  

Due After

5 Years

   Total

Real estate loans:

           

Residential loans

     60      1,685      34,815    $ 36,560

Commercial loans

     9,952      29,193      6,520      45,665

Multi-family and construction loans (1)

     4,842      —        —        4,842

Consumer and installment loans

     3,557      14,368      21,951      39,876

Commercial loans

     32,663      33,012      4,993      70,668
                           

Total

   $ 51,074    $ 78,258    $ 68,279    $ 197,611
                           

(1) Includes construction/permanent loans.

The actual average life of mortgage loans is substantially less than their contractual term because of loan repayments and because of enforcement of due-on-sale clauses that give the Bank the right to declare a loan immediately due and payable if, among other things, the borrower sells the real property subject to the mortgage and the loan is not repaid. The average life of mortgage loans tends to increase, however, when current mortgage loan rates substantially exceed rates on existing mortgage loans.

 

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The following table sets forth, at December 31, 2005, the dollar amount of loans due after December 31, 2006 which have fixed rates of interest and which have adjustable rates of interest (in thousands).

 

     Fixed    Adjustable    Total

Real estate loans:

        

Residential loans

   $ 23,799    $ 12,701    $ 36,500

Commercial loans

     15,004      20,709      35,713

Consumer and installment loans

     14,864      21,455      36,319

Commercial loans

     9,808      28,197      38,005
                    

Total

   $ 63,475    $ 83,062    $ 146,537
                    

Real Estate Loans. The Bank originates residential mortgage loans to enable borrowers to purchase existing single family homes or to construct new homes. At December 31, 2005, approximately $36.6 million, or 18.9% of the Corporation’s net loan portfolio consisted of loans secured by residential real estate (net of undisbursed principal, excluding construction loans).

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency regulations limit the amount that national banks may lend in relationship to the appraised value of the real estate securing the loan, as determined by an appraisal at the time of loan origination. Federal regulations permit a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 100% for one-to four-family dwellings and 85% for all other real estate loans. The Bank’s lending policies, however, limit the maximum loan-to-value ratio on one-to-four-family real estate mortgage loans to 80% of the lesser of the appraised value or the purchase price. Any single-family loan made in excess of an 80% loan-to-value ratio and any commercial real estate loan in excess of a 75% loan-to-value ratio is required to have private mortgage insurance or additional collateral. In the past, the Bank has originated some commercial real estate loans in excess of a 75% loan-to-value ratio without private mortgage insurance or additional collateral.

The loan-to-value ratio, maturity and other provisions of the loans made by the Bank generally have reflected a policy of making less than the maximum loan permissible under applicable regulations, market conditions, and underwriting standards established by the Bank. Mortgage loans made by the Bank generally are long-term loans (15-30 years), amortized on a monthly basis, with principal and interest due each month. In the Bank’s experience, real estate loans remain outstanding for significantly shorter periods than their contractual terms. Borrowers may refinance or prepay loans, at their option, with no prepayment penalty.

The Bank offers a full complement of mortgage lending products with both fixed and adjustable rates. Due to the nature of the Bank’s marketplace, only a small percentage of residential loans are adjustable-rate mortgage loans (“ARMs”). The Bank offers ARMs tied to U.S. Treasury Bills with a maximum interest rate adjustment of 2% annually and 6% over the life of the loan. At December 31, 2005, the Bank had approximately $12.7 million of ARMs, or 6.6% of the Bank’s total loans receivable. At December 31, 2005, 12.4% of the Bank’s loan portfolio consisted of long-term, fixed-rate residential real estate loans.

Net interest income depends to a large extent on how successful the Bank is in “matching” interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The Corporation has taken steps to reduce its exposure to rising interest rates. For a discussion of these steps, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Annual Report to Shareholders (“Annual Report”).

Commercial real estate loans constituted approximately $45.7 million, or 23.7%, of the Bank’s net loan portfolio at December 31, 2005. Commercial real estate loans consist of permanent loans secured by multi-family loans, generally apartment houses, as well as commercial and industrial properties, including office buildings, warehouses, shopping centers, hotels, motels and other special purpose properties. Commercial real estate loans are originated and purchased for inclusion in the Bank’s portfolio. These loans generally have 20 to 30-year amortization schedules and are callable or have balloon payments after five years. Typically, the loan documents provide for adjustment of the interest rate every one to three years. Fixed-rate loans secured by multi-family residential and commercial properties have terms ranging from 20 to 25 years.

 

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Loans secured by multi-family and commercial real estate properties may involve greater risk than single-family residential loans. Such loans generally are substantially larger than single-family residential loans. Further, the payment experience on loans secured by commercial properties typically depends on the successful operation of the properties, and thus may be subject to a greater extent to adverse conditions in the real estate market or in the economy generally. Our largest commercial loan relationship was a $3.3 million loan secured by real estate located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. This loan was performing according to its original terms at December 31, 2005.

Construction Loans. The Bank engages in construction lending that primarily is secured by single family residential real estate and, to a much lesser extent, commercial real estate. The Bank grants construction loans to individuals with a takeout for permanent financing from one of our correspondent mortgage lenders or another financial institution, and to approved builders on both presold and unsold properties.

Construction loans to individuals are originated for a term of one year or less or are originated to convert to permanent loans at the end of the construction period. Construction loans are originated to builders for a term not to exceed 12 months. Generally, draw inspections are handled by the appraiser who initially appraised the property; however, in some instances the draw inspections are performed by a new appraisal firm.

Construction financing affords the Bank the opportunity to achieve higher interest rates and fees with shorter terms to maturity than do single-family permanent mortgage loans. However, construction loans generally are considered to involve a higher degree of risk than single-family permanent mortgage lending due to: (1) the concentration of principal among relatively few borrowers and development projects; (2) the increased difficulty at the time the loan is made of estimating the building costs and the selling price of the property to be built; (3) the increased difficulty and costs of monitoring the loan; (4) the higher degree of sensitivity to increases in market rates of interest; and (5) the increased difficulty of working out loan problems.

At December 31, 2005, the Bank had approximately $4.8 million outstanding in construction loans, including approximately $2.0 million in undisbursed proceeds. Substantially all of these loans were secured by one- to four-family residences.

Consumer Loans. The Bank’s consumer loan portfolio primarily consists of automobile loans on new and used vehicles, mobile home loans, boat loans, second mortgage loans, loans secured by savings accounts and unsecured loans. The Bank makes consumer loans to serve the needs of its customers and as a way to improve the interest-rate sensitivity of the Bank’s loan portfolio.

Consumer loans tend to bear higher rates of interest and have shorter terms to maturity than residential mortgage loans. However, nationally, consumer loans historically have tended to have a higher rate of default than residential mortgage loans. Additionally, consumer loans entail greater risk than do residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of loans that are unsecured or secured by rapidly depreciating assets such as automobiles. In these cases, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance as a result of the greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation. The remaining deficiency often does not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower beyond obtaining a deficiency judgment. In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and thus are more likely to be affected adversely by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy.

 

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Commercial Loans. Commercial business loans are made primarily in our market area to small businesses through its branch network. Each county location of the branch network has an experienced commercial lender that is responsible for the generation of this product. In selective cases, we will enter into a loan participation within our market area to purchase a portion of a commercial loans that meets the Bank’s underwriting criteria. We offer secured commercial loans with maturities of up to 20 years. The term for repayment will normally be limited to the lesser of the expected useful life of the asset being financed or a fixed amount of time, generally less than seven years. These loans have adjustable rates of interest indexed to the prime rate as reported in The Wall Street Journal and are payable on loans not in default, subject to annual review and renewal. When making commercial loans, we consider the financial statements of the borrower, the borrower’s payment history of both corporate and personal debt, the debt service capabilities of the borrower, the projected cash flows of the business, the viability of the industry in which the customer operates and the value of the collateral. Commercial loans generally are secured by a variety of collateral, primarily accounts receivable, inventory and equipment, and generally are supported by personal guarantees. Depending on the collateral used to secure the loans, commercial loans are made in amounts of up to 80% of the value of the collateral securing the loan.

Unlike residential mortgage loans, which are generally made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from his or her employment or other income, and which are secured by real property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable, commercial loans are of higher risk and typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s business. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial loans may depend substantially on the success of the business itself. Further, any collateral securing such loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value.

Loan Solicitation and Processing. Loan originations come from walk-in customers, sales and solicitations from loan officers and loan participations. The loan origination process for walk-in customers includes an initial interview with an officer of the Bank for the purpose of obtaining a formal application. Upon receipt of a loan application from a prospective borrower, a credit report is ordered to verify specific information relating to the loan applicant’s employment, income and credit standing. This information may be further verified by personal contacts with other reference sources. An appraisal of the real estate intended to secure the proposed loan is undertaken by pre-approved, independent fee appraisers. As soon as the required information has been obtained and the appraisal completed, the loan is submitted to the authorized officer, loan committees or full Board of Directors for review. The Bank utilizes various officers and loan committees for the approval of real estate loans. The Board of Directors has appointed a Board Loan Committee comprised of two members elected annually from the Board of Directors and four senior executive officers of the Bank. A quorum of three members, including at least one Board member, is required for any action. This Committee has the authority to approve all secured and unsecured loan requests with the exception of a single loan request exceeding $2,000,000 in secured credit and exceeding $1,000,000 in unsecured credit, which require approval of the entire Board of Directors.

Loan applicants are promptly notified of the decision of the Bank by telephone, setting forth the terms and conditions of the decision. If approved, these terms and conditions include the amount of the loan, interest rate, amortization term, and a brief description of the real estate to be mortgaged to the Bank. The Bank also issues a commitment letter to the potential borrower which typically remains in effect for 60 days. The Bank’s experience is that very few commitments go unfunded. See “Loan Commitments.” The borrower is required to pay all origination costs incurred in connection with the particular loan closing.

Loan Originations, Purchases and Sales. During fiscal 2001, we phased out broker loan purchases and originations and reduced our mortgage lending operations to provide an increased capital allocation for consumer and commercial lending. Consequently, the Bank did not securitize any loans in either the 2005, 2004 or 2003 fiscal years. The Bank does not have any current plans to sell a large volume of loans, other than fixed-rate mortgage loans it originates through its retail branch network. The Bank purchases participation interests in loans originated by other institutions. The Bank had total purchases of participation interests of $8 million in fiscal 2005. These participation interests are on both residential and commercial properties and carry either a fixed or adjustable interest rate. The Bank performs its own underwriting analysis on each of its participation interests before purchasing such loans and therefore believes there is no greater risk of default on these obligations. However, in a purchased participation loan, the Bank does not service the loan and thus is subject to the policies and practices of the lead lender with regard to monitoring

 

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delinquencies, pursuing collections and instituting foreclosure proceedings. The Bank is permitted to review all of the documentation relating to any loan in which the Bank participates, including any annual financial statements provided by a borrower. Additionally, the Bank receives periodic updates on the loan from the lead lender.

The following table sets forth the Bank’s loan origination activity for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
  

Year Ended

September 30,

2003

     2005    2004   

Loans originated:

        

Real estate loans:

        

Residential loans

   $ 5,415    $ 6,025    $ 7,590

Multi-family and construction loans

     1,401      1,411      2,550
                    

Total mortgage loans originated

     6,816      7,436      10,140
                    

Consumer and installment loans

     17,039      15,166      11,172

Commercial loans

     56,469      43,121      41,229
                    

Total loans originated

   $ 80,324    $ 65,723    $ 62,541
                    

Loan participations purchased

   $ 7,987    $ 7,798    $ 7,085

Loan Commitments. The Bank’s commitments to make conventional mortgage and commercial loans are normally made for periods of up to 60 days from the date of loan approval. See “Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources” in the Annual Report.

Loan Origination and Other Fees. In addition to interest earned on loans and fees for making loan commitments, the Bank charges origination fees or “points” for originating loans. Loan origination fees usually are a percentage of the principal amount of the loan, typically between 0.5% and 2%, depending on the terms and conditions. Other fees collected include late charges applied to delinquent payments and fees collected in connection with loan modifications. The Bank charges a 5% late charge fee on payments delinquent 15 days or more on new loan originations, loan modifications, loan assumptions and loans currently in the Bank’s portfolio where applicable. Late charges and modification fees do not constitute a material source of income. Accounting standards require fees received (net of certain loan origination costs) for originating loans to be deferred and amortized into interest income over the contractual life of the loan. As of December 31, 2005, the Corporation had net deferred loan costs of approximately $104,000.

Problem Assets. When a borrower fails to make a required payment on a loan, the Bank attempts to cure the default by contacting the borrower. In general, borrowers are contacted after a payment is more than 30 days past due. In most cases, defaults are cured promptly. If the delinquency on a mortgage loan is not cured through the Bank’s normal collection procedures, or an acceptable arrangement is not worked out with the borrower, the Bank will institute measures to remedy the default, including commencing a foreclosure action.

The Bank determines a loan to be delinquent when payments have not been made according to contractual terms, typically evidenced by nonpayment of a monthly installment by the due date. The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent. Subsequent payments are either applied to the outstanding principal balance or recorded as interest income, depending on the assessment of the ultimate collectibility of the loan. See Notes 1 and 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

A loan is impaired when it is probable, based on current information, the Corporation will be unable to collect all contractual principal and interest payments due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement. Management has determined that, generally, a failure to make a payment within a 90-day period constitutes a minimum delay or shortfall and generally does not constitute an impaired loan. However, management reviews each past due loan on a loan-by-loan basis and may determine a loan to be impaired prior to the loan becoming over 90 days past due, depending upon the

 

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circumstances of that particular loan. A loan is classified as non-accrual at the time management believes that the collection of interest is improbable, generally when a loan becomes 90 days past due. The Bank’s policy for charge-off of impaired loans is on a loan-by-loan basis. At the time management believes the collection of interest and principal is remote, the loan is charged off. It is our policy is to evaluate impaired loans based on the fair value of the collateral. Interest income from impaired loans is recorded using the cash method.

Real estate acquired as a result of foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure is classified as real estate owned. When such property is acquired it is recorded at the lower of the unpaid principal balance of the related loan or its fair market value less selling costs. Any subsequent write-down of the property is charged to income.

It is the policy of the Bank to cease accruing interest on loans 90 days or more past due. As of and for the years ended December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, $127,000 and $197,000, respectively, were classified within the meaning of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 15. The increase in non-performing assets from $1.1 million at December 31, 2004 to $1.5 million at December 31, 2005 was due to higher loan delinquencies as a result of higher than state average unemployment from plant layoffs and closings in the surrounding communities.

The following table sets forth information with respect to the Bank’s non-performing assets for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands).

 

     At December 31,     At September 30,  
     2005     2004     2003     2002     2001  

Loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis:

          

Real estate

   $ 461     $ 217     $ 408     $ 916     $ 626  

Commercial

     436       142       2,437       524       160  

Consumer

     349       391       209       426       9  
                                        

Total

     1,246       750       3,054       1,866       795  
                                        

Accruing loans which are contractually past due 90 days or more

     —         —         —         —         —    

Real estate owned, net

     224       364       652       356       77  
                                        

Total non-performing assets

   $ 1,470     $ 1,114     $ 3,706     $ 2,222     $ 872  
                                        

Percentage of non-performing assets to loans receivable net

     0.76 %     0.65 %     2.42 %     1.37 %     0.56 %
                                        

Interest income that would have been recorded for the year ended December 31, 2005 had non-accruing loans been current in accordance with their original terms amounted to approximately $92,000. There was no interest included in interest income on such loans for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Allowance for Loan Losses. In originating loans, we recognize that losses will be experienced and that the risk of loss will vary with, among other things, the type of loan being made, the creditworthiness of the borrower over the term of the loan, general economic conditions and, in the case of a secured loan, the quality of the security for the loan. To cover losses inherent in the portfolio of performing loans, the Bank maintains an allowance for loan losses. Management’s periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is based on a number of factors, including management’s evaluation of the collectibility of the loan portfolio, the nature and size of the portfolio, credit concentrations, trends in historical loss experience, specific impaired loans and economic conditions. The amount of the allowance is based on the estimated value of the collateral securing the loan and other analysis pertinent to each situation.

The Bank increases its allowance for loan losses by charging provisions for loan losses against income. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at an amount management considers adequate to absorb losses inherent in the portfolio. Although management believes that it uses the best information available to make such determinations, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary and results of operations could be affected significantly and adversely if circumstances substantially differ from the assumptions used in making the determinations.

 

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The provision for loan loss calculation includes a segmentation of loan categories subdivided by residential mortgage, commercial and consumer loans. Each category is rated for all loans including performing groups. The weights assigned to each performing group is developed from previous loan loss experience and as the loss experience changes, the category weight is adjusted accordingly. In addition, as the amount of loans in each category increases and decreases, the provision for loan loss calculation adjusts accordingly.

While we believe that we have established the existing allowance for loan losses in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, there can be no assurance that regulators, in reviewing the our loan portfolio, will not request the Bank to increase significantly the allowance for loan losses. In addition, because future events affecting borrowers and collateral cannot be predicted with certainty, there can be no assurance that the existing allowance for loan losses is adequate or that substantial increases will not be necessary should the quality of any loans deteriorate as a result of the factors discussed above. Any material increase in the allowance for loan losses may affect adversely the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations. See Notes 1 and 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information concerning the Bank’s provision and allowance for possible loan losses.

The following table sets forth an analysis of the Bank’s allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

 

     At December 31,     Three
Months Ended
December 31,
    At September 30,  
     2005     2004     2003     2003     2002     2001  

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 2,026     $ 2,383     $ 1,842     $ 1,371     $ 1,080     $ 1,360  
                                                

Loans charged off:

            

Real estate

     (75 )     (62 )     (47 )     (255 )     (127 )     (180 )

Commercial

     (302 )     (1,740 )     (154 )     (11 )     (542 )     (211 )

Consumer

     (195 )     (40 )     (39 )     (65 )     (82 )     (176 )
                                                

Total charge-offs

     (572 )     (1,842 )     (240 )     (331 )     (751 )     (567 )
                                                

Recoveries:

            

Real estate

     35       22       1       31       36       4  

Commercial

     26       192       51       6       —         8  

Consumer

     10       21       4       40       16       35  
                                                

Total recoveries

     71       235       56       77       52       47  
                                                

Net charge-offs

     (501 )     (1,607 )     (184 )     (254 )     (699 )     (520 )
                                                

Provision for loan losses (1)

     869       1,250       725       725       990       240  
                                                

Balance at end of year

   $ 2,394     $ 2,026     $ 2,383     $ 1,842     $ 1,371     $ 1,080  
                                                

Ratio of net charge-offs to average gross loans outstanding during the period

     0.27 %     0.91 %     0.12 %     0.16 %     0.42 %     0.32 %
                                                

(1) See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Annual Report for a discussion of the factors responsible for changes in the provision for loan losses between the periods.

The Bank experienced bad debt charge-offs, net of recoveries, of approximately $501,000 in fiscal 2005 compared to $1.6 million for fiscal 2004. The loan charge-offs for the previous year included approximately $1.3 million from three commercial loans that were charged-off after the loans were determined to be uncollectable. The allowance for loan losses to total loans ratio at the end of fiscal 2005 was 1.23% compared to 1.17% at the end of fiscal 2004.

 

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The following table sets forth the breakdown of the allowance for loan losses by loan category and the percentage of loans in each category to total loans for the periods indicated. Management believes that the allowance can be allocated by category only on an approximate basis. The allocation of the allowance to each category is not necessarily indicative of further losses and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in any category (dollars in thousands):

 

     At December 31,     At September 30,  
     2005     2004     2003     2002     2001  
     Amount   

% of Loans

in Each

Category to

Total Loans

    Amount   

% of Loans

in Each

Category to

Total Loans

    Amount   

% of Loans

in Each

Category to

Total Loans

    Amount   

% of Loans

in Each

Category to

Total Loans

    Amount   

% of Loans

in Each

Category to

Total Loans

 

Real estate

   $ 975    44.06 %   $ 984    51.45 %   $ 1,078    62.34 %   $ 9577    74.97 %   $ 831    83.07 %

Commercial

     447    20.18       335    17.48       280    16.16       1978    15.43       136    13.58  

Consumer

     792    35.76       594    31.07       372    21.50       1221    9.60       33    3.35  

Unallocated

     180    N/A       113    N/A       112    N/A       955    N/A       80    N/A  
                                                                 

Total allowance for loan losses

   $ 2,394    100.00 %   $ 2,026    100.00 %   $ 1,842    100.00 %   $ 1,3711    100.00 %   $ 1,080    100.00 %
                                                                 

 

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The Bank adjusts balances on real estate acquired in settlement of loans to the lower of cost or market based on appraised value when the property is received in settlement. These values reflect current market conditions and sales experience. See Notes 1 and 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Asset Classification. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency requires national banks to classify problem assets. Problem assets are classified as “substandard,” “doubtful” or “loss,” depending on the presence of certain characteristics. An asset is considered “substandard” if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged, if any. “Substandard” assets include those characterized by the “distinct possibility” that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as “doubtful” have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified as “substandard” with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make “collection or liquidation in full,” on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, “highly questionable and improbable.” Assets classified as “loss” are those considered “uncollectible” and of such little value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss reserve is not warranted. Assets that currently do not expose the insured institution to sufficient risk to warrant classification in the above-mentioned categories but possess weaknesses are designated “special mention.”

When an institution classifies problem assets as either substandard or doubtful, it is required to establish general allowances for loan losses in an amount deemed prudent by management. General allowances represent loss allowances that have been established to recognize the inherent risk associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. When an institution classifies problem assets or a portion of assets as loss, it is required either to establish a specific allowance for losses equal to 100% of the amount of the asset or a portion thereof so classified or to charge-off such amount. An institution’s determination as to the classification of its assets and the amount of its valuation allowances is subject to review by the Comptroller of the Currency who can order the establishment of additional general or specific loss allowances.

The following tables set forth the number and amount of classified loans at December 31, 2005 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Loss    Doubtful    Substandard    Special Mention
     Number    Amount    Number    Amount    Number    Amount    Number    Amount

Real estate

   —        —      —        —      15      797    2      133

Commercial

   —        —      2      306    6      1,499    9      2,811

Consumer

   —        —      —        —      13      562    —        —  
                                               

Total

   —      $ —      2    $ 306    34    $ 2,858    11    $ 2,944
                                               

Investment Activities

SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” requires that investments be categorized as “held to maturity,” “trading securities” or “available for sale,” based on management’s intent as to the ultimate disposition of each security. SFAS No. 115 allows debt securities to be classified as “held to maturity” and reported in financial statements at amortized cost only if the reporting entity has the positive intent and ability to hold those securities to maturity. Securities that might be sold in response to changes in market interest rates, changes in the security’s prepayment risk, increases in loan demand, or other similar factors cannot be classified as “held to maturity.” Debt and equity securities held for current resale are classified as “trading securities.” Such securities are reported at fair value, and unrealized gains and losses on such securities would be included in earnings. The Corporation currently does not use or maintain a trading account. Debt and equity securities not classified as either “held to maturity” or “trading securities” are classified as “available for sale.” Such securities are reported at fair value, and unrealized gains and losses on such securities are excluded from earnings and reported net of income taxes in a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

 

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The following table sets forth the Corporation’s investment and mortgage-backed securities portfolio at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):

 

     At December 31,     At September 30,  
     2005     2004     2003  
     

Carrying

Value

  

Percent of

Portfolio

   

Carrying

Value

  

Percent of

Portfolio

   

Carrying

Value

  

Percent of

Portfolio

 

Available for sale:

               

Investment securities:

               

U.S. Agency obligations

   $ 83,443    58.32 %   $ 71,548    50.43 %   $ 48,596    30.87 %

Municipal securities

     18,180    12.71       20,544    14.48       22,334    14.18  

Other

     14,621    10.22       10,876    7.67       7,860    5.00  
                                       

Total investment securities

     116,244    81.25       102,968    72.58       78,790    50.05  
                                       

Mortgage-backed and related securities

     26,835    18.75       38,896    27.42       78,648    49.95  
                                       

Total

   $ 143,079    100.00 %   $ 141,864    100.00 %   $ 157,438    100.00 %
                                       
     At December 31,     At September 30,  
     2005     2004     2003  
     

Carrying

Value

  

Percent of

Portfolio

   

Carrying

Value

  

Percent of

Portfolio

   

Carrying

Value

  

Percent of

Portfolio

 

Held to maturity:

               

Municipal securities

   $ 3,204    100.00 %   $ 1,630    100.00 %     —      —    
                                       

The Corporation purchases mortgage-backed securities, both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate, from Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and Ginnie Mae with maturities from five to 30 years. The Corporation increased its level of agency securities over the previous year to balance the portfolio mix and stabilize interest rate flows as a result of the high loan prepayment speeds experienced with mortgage-backed securities.

The Corporation also purchases mortgage derivative securities in the form of collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) issued by U.S. government agencies or corporations. While these securities possess minimal credit risk due to the Federal guarantee of collection on the underlying mortgages, they possess liquidity and interest rate risk. The amortized cost and fair value of the CMOs at December 31, 2005 was approximately $5.4 million. See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding investment and mortgage-backed securities.

 

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The following table sets forth at amortized cost (held to maturity) and market value (available for sale) the maturities and weighted average yields* of the Corporation’s investment and mortgage-backed securities portfolio at December 31, 2005 (dollars in thousands):

 

     Amount Due or Repricing within:  
    

One Year

or Less

   

Over One to

Five Years

   

Over Five to

Ten Years

   

Over

Ten Years

    Total  
    

Carrying

Value

  

Weighted

Average

Yield

   

Carrying

Value

  

Weighted

Average

Yield

   

Carrying

Value

  

Weighted

Average

Yield

   

Carrying

Value

  

Weighted

Average

Yield

   

Carrying

Value

  

Weighted

Average

Yield

 

Available for Sale:

                         

Investment securities:

                         

U.S. Agency obligations

   $ 31,928    4.16 %   $ 36,037    4.08 %   $ 15,478    5.08 %   $ —      —   %   $ 83,443    4.29 %

Municipal securities

     —      —         260    5.00       596    4.40       17,324    4.57       18,180    4.57  

Equity securities

     —      —         —      —         —      —         1,190    5.81       1,190    5.81  

Corporate securities

     6,975    6.25       4,452    4.63       —      —         2,004    7.00       13,431    5.82  
                                                                 

Total investment securities

     38,903    4.53       40,749    4.15       16,074    5.05       20,518    4.88       116,244    4.53  

Mortgage-backed and related securities

     762    5.68       10,135    4.10       1,970    5.58       13,968    4.22       26,835    4.32  
                                                                 

Total available for sale

     39,665    4.56       50,884    4.13       18,044    5.11       34,486    4.61       143,079    4.49  
                                                                 

Held to Maturity:

                         

Municipal securities

   $ —      —   %   $ —      —   %   $ —      —   %   $ 3,204    4.12 %   $ 3,204    4.12 %
                                                                 

 

* The weighted average yield is based upon the cost value and the total income received of the instrument.

 

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At December 31, 2005, approximately $10.8 million of mortgage-backed securities were adjustable-rate securities.

Deposits and Borrowings

General deposits are the major source of our funds for lending and other investment purposes. In addition to deposits, we derive funds from principal repayments and interest payments on loans and investment and mortgage-backed securities. Principal repayments and interest payments are a relatively stable source of funds, although principal prepayments tend to slow when interest rates increase. Deposit inflows and outflows may be influenced significantly by general market interest rates and money market conditions. During fiscal year 2005, the Bank experienced a net increase in deposits of approximately $12.0 million due to various deposit promotion programs with continued emphasis on increasing core deposits. The Bank borrowed funds to support the remaining growth experienced in fiscal 2005.

Deposits. Local deposits are, and traditionally have been, the primary source of the Bank’s funds for use in lending and for other general business purposes. We offer a number of deposit accounts including NOW accounts, money market savings accounts, passbook and statement savings accounts, individual retirement accounts and certificate of deposit accounts. Deposit accounts vary as to terms regarding withdrawal provisions, deposit provisions and interest rates.

We adjust the interest rates offered on our deposit accounts as necessary so as to remain competitive with other financial institutions in Union, Laurens, York and Fairfield Counties.

The following table sets forth the time deposits of the Bank classified by rates as of the dates indicated (in thousands):

 

     At December 31,    At September 30,
     2005    2004    2003

Up to 2.0%

   $ 24,568    $ 58,034    $ 73,282

2.01% to 4.0%

     86,570      68,942      57,186

4.01% to 6.0%

     26,582      16,089      21,951

6.01% to 8.0%

     23      495      823
                    

Total savings certificates

   $ 137,743    $ 143,560    $ 153,242
                    

The following table sets forth the maturities of time deposits at December 31, 2005 (in thousands):

 

     Amount

Within three months

   $ 28,050

After three months but within six months

     29,065

After six months but within one year

     46,819

After one year but within three years

     32,246

After three years but within five years

     1,449

After five years but within ten years

     114
      

Total

   $ 137,743
      

Certificates of deposit with maturities of less than one year increased to $103.9 million at December 31, 2005 from $92.3 million at December 31, 2004. Historically, we have been able to retain a significant amount of its deposits as they mature. In addition, we believe that we can adjust the offering rates of savings certificates to retain deposits in changing interest rate environments.

 

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The following table indicates the amount of the Bank’s jumbo certificates of deposit by time remaining until maturity as of December 31, 2005 (in thousands). Jumbo certificates of deposit are certificates in amounts of $100,000 or more.

 

Maturity Period

   Amount

Three months or less

   $ 10,518

Over three through six months

     10,900

Over six months through twelve months

     17,558

Over twelve months

     12,682
      

Total jumbo certificates

   $ 51,658
      

See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about deposit accounts.

Borrowings. The Corporation utilizes advances from the FHLB agreements and other borrowings (treasury, tax and loan deposits, security repurchase agreements and trust preferred capital obligations) to supplement its supply of lendable funds for granting loans, making investments and meeting deposit withdrawal requirements. See “Regulation and Supervision — Federal Home Loan Bank System.”

The following tables set forth certain information regarding borrowings by the Bank at the dates and for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

 

     At December 31,     At September 30,  
     2005     2004     2003  

Balance outstanding at end of period:

      

FHLB advances

   $ 75,715     $ 63,500     $ 74,000  

Other borrowings

     28,247       32,247       19,247  

Weighted average rate paid on:

      

FHLB advances

     3.98 %     3.42 %     3.36 %

Other borrowings

     3.91 %     3.09 %     4.33 %
     At December 31,     At September 30,  
     2005     2004     2003  

Maximum amount of borrowings outstanding at any month end:

      

FHLB advances

   $ 75,715     $ 76,500     $ 79,000  

Other borrowings

     32,247       37,247       25,247  

Approximate average borrowings outstanding :

      

FHLB advances

     77,854       76,997       73,747  

Other borrowings

     31,036       29,580       24,902  

Approximate weighted average rate paid on:

      

FHLB advances

     3.13 %     2.89 %     3.94 %

Other borrowings

     2.29 %     2.82 %     4.38 %

At December 31, 2005, the Corporation had unused short-term lines of credit to purchase federal funds from unrelated banks totaling $14.2 million. These lines of credit are available on a one-to-ten day basis for general purposes of the Corporation. All of the lenders have reserved the right to withdraw these lines at their option. At December 31, 2005, the Bank had unused lines of credit for longer term advances totaling $15.0 million.

 

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Subsidiary Activities

Under OCC regulations, the Bank generally may invest in operating subsidiaries, which may engage in activities permissible for the Bank itself. The Bank currently holds Provident Financial Services, Inc. as a non-active subsidiary.

Union Financial maintains one other subsidiary other than the Bank. In November 2001, Union Financial Statutory Trust I was established as a statutory trust under Connecticut law for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities. Union Financial Statutory Trust I issued trust preferred securities on December 18, 2001.

Employees

The Corporation has 68 full-time employees and 10 part-time employees. None of the employees are represented by a collective bargaining unit. We believe that relations with our employees are excellent.

REGULATION AND SUPERVISION

General

Union Financial, which is a bank holding company, is required to file certain reports with the Federal Reserve Board and otherwise comply with the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (“BHCA”) and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

The Bank, as a national bank, is subject to extensive regulation, examination and supervision by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, as its primary regulator, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, as the deposit insurer. The Bank’s deposit accounts are insured up to applicable limits by the Savings Association Insurance Fund managed by the FDIC. The Bank must file reports with the OCC and the FDIC concerning its activities and financial condition in addition to obtaining regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain transactions such as mergers with, or acquisitions of, other institutions. The OCC and/or the FDIC conduct periodic examinations to test the Bank’s safety and soundness and compliance with various regulatory requirements. Many aspects of the Bank’s operations are regulated by federal law including allowable activities, reserves against deposits, branching, mergers and investments. This regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which an institution can engage and is intended primarily for the protection of the insurance fund and depositors. The regulatory structure also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes. Any change in such regulatory requirements and policies, whether by the OCC, the FDIC, or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on Union Financial or the Bank and their operations.

Certain regulatory requirements applicable to the Bank and Union Financial are referred to below or elsewhere herein. This description of statutory provisions and regulations applicable to national banks and their holding companies does not purport to be a complete description of such statutes and regulations and their effects on the Bank and Union Financial and is qualified in its entirely by reference to the actual statutes and regulations involved.

Holding Company Regulation

Federal Regulation. As a bank holding company, Union Financial is subject to examination, regulation and periodic reporting under the BHCA, as administered by the FRB. Union Financial is required to obtain the prior approval of the FRB to acquire all, or substantially all, of the assets of any bank or bank holding company or merge with another bank holding company. Prior FRB approval is also required for Union Financial to acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting securities of any bank or bank holding company if, after giving effect to such acquisition, Union Financial would, directly or indirectly, own or control more than 5% of any class of voting

 

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shares of the bank or bank holding company. In evaluating such transactions, the FRB considers such matters as the financial and managerial resources of and future prospects of the companies and banks involved, competitive factors and the convenience and needs of the communities to be served. Bank holding companies have authority under the BHCA to acquire additional banks in any state, subject to certain restrictions such as deposit concentration limits. In addition to the approval of the FRB, before any bank acquisition can be completed, prior approval may also be required from other agencies having supervisory jurisdiction over the banks to be acquired.

A bank holding company generally is prohibited from engaging in, or acquiring direct or indirect control of more than 5% of the voting securities of any company conducting non-banking activities. One of the principal exceptions to this prohibition is for activities found by the FRB to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks to be a proper incident thereto. Some of the principal activities that the FRB has determined by regulation to be closely related to banking are: (1) making or servicing loans; (2) performing certain data processing services; (3) providing discount brokerage services; (4) acting as fiduciary, investment or financial advisor; (5) finance leasing personal or real property; (6) making investments in corporations or projects designed primarily to promote community welfare; and (7) acquiring a savings association, provided that the savings association only engages in activities permitted by bank holding companies.

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 authorizes a bank holding company that meets specified conditions, including being “well-capitalized” and “well managed,” to opt to become a “financial holding company” and thereby engage in a broader array of financial activities than previously permitted. Such activities may include insurance underwriting and investment banking. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act also authorizes banks to engage through “financial subsidiaries” in certain of the activities permitted for financial holding companies. Financial subsidiaries are generally treated as affiliates for purposes of restrictions on a bank’s transactions with affiliates.

The FRB has adopted capital adequacy guidelines for bank holding companies (on a consolidated basis) substantially similar to those of the OCC for the Bank. See “Capital Requirements.” Union Financial’s total and Tier 1 capital exceed these requirements.

Bank holding companies generally are required to give the FRB prior written notice of any purchase or redemption of its outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when combined with the net consideration paid for all such purchases or redemptions during the preceding 12 months, is equal to 10% or more of their consolidated net worth. The FRB may disapprove such a purchase or redemption if it determines that the proposal would constitute an unsafe and unsound practice, or would violate any law, regulation, FRB order or directive, or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the FRB. There is an exception to this approval requirement for well-capitalized bank holding companies that meet certain other conditions.

The FRB has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends by bank holding companies. In general, the FRB’s policies provide that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the Bank holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality, and overall financial condition. The FRB’s policies also require that a bank holding company serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary banks by standing ready to use available resources to provide adequate capital funds to those banks during periods of financial stress or adversity and by maintaining the financial flexibility and capital-raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting its subsidiary banks where necessary. Furthermore, the FRB has authority to prohibit a bank holding company from paying a capital distribution where a subsidiary bank is undercapitalized. These regulatory policies could affect the ability of Union Financial to pay dividends or otherwise engage in capital distributions.

The FRB has general authority to enforce the BHCA as to Union Financial and may require a bank holding company to cease any activity or terminate control of any subsidiary engaged in an activity that the FRB believes constitutes a serious risk to the safety, soundness or stability of its bank subsidiaries.

Union Financial and its subsidiaries will be affected by the monetary and fiscal policies of various agencies of the United States Government, including the Federal Reserve System. In view of changing conditions in the national economy and money markets, it is impossible for the management of Union Financial accurately to predict

 

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future changes in monetary policy or the effect of such changes on the business or financial condition of Union Financial or the Bank.

State Regulation. Union Financial is also a “bank holding company” within the meaning of the South Carolina bank holding company laws, which assigns the same definition to “bank holding company” as the meaning set forth in section 2(a) of the BHCA. The prior approval of the South Carolina Board of Financial Institutions is required before Union Financial may merge or consolidate with another bank holding company. Such approval is also necessary for Union Financial to assume direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of any class of voting stock of a bank holding company or bank, or control of substantially all of the assets of a bank holding company or bank.

Acquisition of Union Financial

Federal Regulation. Federal law requires that a notice be submitted to the FRB if any person (including a company), or group acting in concert, seeks to acquire 10% or more of Union Financial’s outstanding voting stock, unless the FRB has found that the acquisition will not result in a change in control of Union Financial. The FRB has 60 days from the filing of a complete notice to act, taking into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquirer and the anti-trust effects of the acquisition.

Under the BHCA, any company would be required to obtain prior approval from the FRB before it may obtain “control” of Union Financial within the meaning of the BHCA. “Control” generally is defined to mean the ownership or power to vote 25% or more of any class of voting securities of Union Financial or the ability to control in any manner the election of a majority of Union Financial’s directors. An existing bank holding company would be required to obtain the FRB’s prior approval under the BHCA before acquiring more than 5% of Union Financial’s voting stock. See “Holding Company Regulation.” Approval of the South Carolina Board of Financial Institutions may also be required for acquisition of Union Financial under some circumstances.

Federal Banking Regulations

Capital Requirements. The OCC’s capital regulations require national banks to meet two minimum capital standards: a 4% Tier 1 capital to total adjusted assets ratio for most banks (3% for national banks with the highest examination rating) (the “leverage” ratio) and an 8% risk-based capital ratio. In addition, the prompt corrective action standards discussed below also establish, in effect, a minimum 2% tangible capital to total assets standard, a 4% leverage ratio (3% for institutions receiving the highest rating on the financial institution examination rating system) and, together with the risk-based capital standard itself, a 4% Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets standard. “Tier 1 capital” is generally defined as common stockholders’ equity (including retained earnings), certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less intangibles (other than certain mortgage servicing rights and credit card relationships), a percentage of certain non-financial equity investments and certain other specified items.

The risk-based capital standard requires the maintenance of Tier 1 and total capital (which is defined as Tier 1 capital plus Tier 2 capital) to risk-weighted assets of at least 4% and 8%, respectively. In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet activities, are multiplied by a risk-weight factor of 0% to 100%, as assigned by the OCC capital regulation based on the risks that the agency believes are inherent in the type of asset. The regulators have recently added a market risk adjustment to cover a bank’s trading account, foreign exchange and commodity positions. Tier 2 capital may include cumulative preferred stock, long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, subordinated debt and intermediate preferred stock, the allowance for loan and lease losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets, and up to 45% of unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values. Overall, the amount of Tier 2 capital included as part of total capital cannot exceed 100% of Tier 1 capital.

The FRB has adopted capital adequacy guidelines for bank holding companies (on a consolidated basis) substantially similar to those of the OCC for the Bank. Union Financial’s total and Tier 1 capital exceed these requirements.

 

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Both the OCC and the FRB have the discretion to establish higher capital requirements on a case-by-case basis where deemed appropriate in the circumstances of a particular bank or bank holding company.

Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action. Under the prompt corrective action regulations, the OCC is required to take certain supervisory actions against undercapitalized institutions under its jurisdiction, the severity of which depends upon the institution’s degree of undercapitalization. Generally, an institution that has a ratio of total capital to risk weighted assets of less than 8%, a ratio of Tier 1 (core) capital to risk-weighted assets of less than 4% or a ratio of core capital to total assets of less than 4% (3% or less for institutions with the highest examination rating) is considered to be “undercapitalized.” An institution that has a total risk-based capital ratio less than 6%, a Tier 1 capital ratio of less than 3% or a leverage ratio that is less than 3% is considered to be “significantly undercapitalized” and an institution that has a tangible capital to assets ratio equal to or less than 2% is deemed to be “critically undercapitalized.” Subject to a narrow exception, the OCC is required to appoint a receiver or conservator within specified time frames for an institution that is “critically undercapitalized.” The regulation also provides that a capital restoration plan must be filed with the OCC within 45 days of the date an institution receives notice that it is “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized.” Compliance with the plan must be guaranteed by any parent holding company. In addition, numerous mandatory supervisory actions become immediately applicable to an undercapitalized institution, including, but not limited to, increased monitoring by regulators and restrictions on growth, capital distributions and expansion. The OCC could also take any one of a number of discretionary supervisory actions, including the issuance of a capital directive and the replacement of senior executive officers and directors.

Insurance of Deposit Accounts. Deposits of the Bank are insured by the Savings Association Insurance Fund (“SAIF”) maintained by the FDIC. The FDIC has adopted a risk-based insurance assessment system. The FDIC assigns an institution to one of three capital categories (well capitalized, adequately capitalized or undercapitalized) based on the institution’s financial information as of the reporting period ending seven months before the assessment period. The FDIC also assigns the institution to one of three supervisory subcategories within each capital group, based on a supervisory evaluation provided to the FDIC by the institution’s primary regulator and such other information that the FDIC deems relevant with respect to the financial condition and the risk posed to the deposit insurance funds. An institution’s assessment rate depends on the capital category and supervisory category to which it is assigned. Assessment rates for SAIF deposits are determined semi-annually and currently range from 0 basis points for well-capitalized institutions in the highest supervisory category to 27 basis points for the weakest institutions. The FDIC is authorized to raise the assessment rates in certain circumstances. The FDIC has exercised its authority to raise rates in the past and may raise insurance premiums in the future. If such action is taken by the FDIC, it could have an adverse effect on the earnings of the Bank.

In addition to the assessment for deposit insurance, institutions are required to make payments on bonds issued in the late 1980s by the Financing Corporation (“FICO”) to recapitalize the predecessor to the SAIF. FICO payments during 2005 approximated 1.39 basis points of assessable deposits.

Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the regulators. Bank management does not know of any practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of deposit insurance.

Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005. The Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005 (the “Act”), signed by the President on February 8, 2006, revised the laws governing the federal deposit insurance system. The Act provides for the consolidation of the Bank and Savings Association Insurance Funds into a combined “Deposit Insurance Fund.”

Under the Act, insurance premiums are to be determined by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) based on a number of factors, primarily the risk of loss that insured institutions pose to the Deposit Insurance Fund. The legislation eliminates the current minimum 1.25% reserve ratio for the insurance funds, the mandatory assessments when the ratio fall below 1.25% and the prohibition on assessing the highest quality banks when the ratio is above 1.25%. The Act provides the FDIC with flexibility to adjust the new insurance fund’s reserve ratio between 1.15% and 1.5%, depending on projected losses, economic changes and assessment rates at the end of a calendar year.

 

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The Act increased deposit insurance coverage limits from $100,000 to $250,000 for certain types of Individual Retirement Accounts, 401(k) plans and other retirement savings accounts. While it preserved the $100,000 coverage limit for individual accounts and municipal deposits, the FDIC was furnished with the discretion to adjust all coverage levels to keep pace with inflation beginning in 2010. Also, institutions that become undercapitalized will be prohibited from accepting certain employee benefit plan deposits.

The consolidation of the Bank and Savings Association Insurance Funds must occur no later that the first day of the calendar quarter that begins 90-days after the date of the Act’s enactment, i.e., July 1, 2006. The Act also states that the FDIC must promulgate final regulations implanting the remainder of its provisions not later than 270 days after its enactment.

At this time, management cannot predict the effect, if any, that the Act will have on insurance premiums paid by the Bank.

Loans to One Borrower. National banks are subject to limits on the amount that they may lend to single borrowers. Generally, banks may not make a loan or extend credit to a single or related group of borrowers in excess of 15% of its capital and surplus (including Tier 1 capital, Tier 2 capital and the amount of the allowance for loan and lease losses not included in Tier 2 capital). An additional amount may be lent, equal to 10% of capital and surplus, if such loan is secured by readily-marketable collateral, which is defined to include certain financial instruments and bullion. At December 31, 2005, the Bank’s limit on loans to one borrower was $4.7 million and the Bank’s largest aggregate outstanding balance of loans to one borrower was $3.3 million.

Limitation on Capital Distributions. National banks may not pay dividends out of their permanent capital and may not, without OCC approval, pay dividends in excess of the total of the bank’s retained net income for the year combined with retained net income for the prior two years less any transfers to surplus and capital distributions. A national bank may not pay a dividend that would cause it to fall below any applicable regulatory capital standard.

Branching. National banks are authorized to establish branches within the state in which they are headquartered to the extent state law allows branching by state banks. Federal law also provides for interstate branching for national banks. Interstate branching by merger was authorized as of June 1, 1997 unless the state in which the bank is to branch has enacted a law opting out of interstate branching or expedites the effective date by passing legislation. De novo interstate branching is permitted to the extent the state into which the bank is to branch has enacted a law authorizing out-of-state banks to establish de novo branches.

Transactions with Related Parties. The authority of a depository institution to engage in transactions with related parties or “affiliates” (e.g., any company that controls or is under common control with an institution, including Union Financial) is limited by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act (“FRA”). Section 23A limits the aggregate amount of covered transactions with any individual affiliate to 10% of the capital and surplus of the depository institution. The aggregate amount of covered transactions with all affiliates is limited to 20% of the depository institution’s capital and surplus. Certain transactions with affiliates are required to be secured by collateral in an amount and of a type described in Section 23A and the purchase of low quality assets from affiliates is generally prohibited. Section 23B generally provides that certain transactions with affiliates, including loans and asset purchases, must be on terms and under circumstances, including credit standards, that are substantially the same or at least as favorable to the institution as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with non-affiliated companies.

The authority of the Bank to extend credit to executive officers, directors and 10% shareholders (“insiders”), as well as entities such persons control, is governed by Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the FRA and Regulation O thereunder. Among other things, such loans are required to be made on terms substantially the same as those offered to unaffiliated individuals and are not to involve more than the normal risk of repayment. There is an exception to this requirement for loans made pursuant to a benefit or compensation program that is widely available to all employees of the institution and does not give preference to insiders over other employees. Regulation O also places individual and aggregate limits on the amount of loans that institutions may make to insiders based, in part, on the institution’s capital position and requires certain board approval procedures to be followed.

 

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Enforcement. The OCC has primary enforcement responsibility over national banks and has the authority to bring actions against such banks and all institution-affiliated parties, including directors, officers, stockholders, and any attorneys, appraisers and accountants who knowingly or recklessly participate in wrongful action likely to have an adverse effect on an insured institution. Formal enforcement action may range from the issuance of a capital directive or cease and desist order to removal of officers and/or directors to institution of receivership or conservatorship. Civil penalties cover a wide range of violations and can amount to $25,000 per day, or even $1.0 million per day in especially egregious cases. The FDIC has the authority to recommend to the OCC that it take enforcement action with respect to a national bank. If action is not taken by the agency, the FDIC has authority to take such action under certain circumstances. Federal law also establishes criminal penalties for certain violations. The FRB has generally similar enforcement authority with respect to Union Financial. Neither Union Financial nor the Bank are under any enforcement action.

Standards for Safety and Soundness. The federal banking agencies have adopted Interagency Guidelines Prescribing Standards for Safety and Soundness (“Guidelines”) and a final rule to implement safety and soundness standards required under federal law. The Guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. The standards address internal controls and information systems; internal audit system; credit underwriting; loan documentation; interest rate risk exposure; asset growth; and compensation, fees and benefits. If the appropriate federal banking agency determines that an institution fails to meet any standard prescribed by the Guidelines, the agency may require the institution to submit to the agency an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard. The final rule establishes deadlines for the submission and review of such safety and soundness compliance plans when such plans are required.

Community Reinvestment Act. The Community Reinvestment Act, (“CRA”), as implemented by OCC regulations, provides that a national bank has a continuing and affirmative obligation consistent with its safe and sound operation to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions nor does it limit an institution’s discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community, consistent with the CRA. The CRA requires the OCC, in connection with its examination of a bank, to assess the institution’s record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to take such record into account in its evaluation of certain corporate applications by such institution, such as mergers and branching. The Bank’s most recent rating was “satisfactory.”

USA Patriot Act. The USA Patriot Act of 2001 (the “Patriot Act”), designed to deny terrorists and others the ability to obtain anonymous access to the United States financial system, has significant implications for depository institutions, brokers, dealers and other businesses involved in the transfer of money. The Patriot Act mandated that financial institutions to implement additional policies and procedures with respect to, or additional measures designed to address matters such as: money laundering, suspicious activities and currency transaction reporting.

Federal Reserve System

The FRB regulations require savings institutions to maintain non-interest earning reserves against their transaction accounts (primarily NOW and regular checking accounts). The regulations generally provide that reserves be maintained against aggregate transaction accounts as follows: for accounts aggregating $48.3 million or less (subject to adjustment by the FRB) the reserve requirement is 3%; and for accounts aggregating greater than $48.3 million, a reserve requirement of 10% (subject to adjustment by the FRB between 8% and 14%) is applied against that portion of total transaction accounts in excess of $48.3 million. The first $7.8 million of otherwise reservable balances (subject to adjustments by the FRB) are exempted from the reserve requirements.

 

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Federal Home Loan Bank System

The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which consists of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. The Federal Home Loan Bank provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. The Bank, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta. The Bank was in compliance with this requirement with an investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock at December 31, 2005 of $4.0 million.

The Federal Home Loan Banks are required to provide funds for the resolution of insolvent thrifts and to contribute funds for affordable housing programs. These requirements could reduce the amount of dividends that the Federal Home Loan Banks pay to their members and could also result in the Federal Home Loan Banks imposing a higher rate of interest on advances to their members. If dividends were reduced, or interest on future Federal Home Loan Bank advances increased, the Bank’s net interest income would likely also be reduced. Recent legislation has changed the structure of the Federal Home Loan Banks’ funding obligations for insolvent thrifts, revised the capital structure of the Federal Home Loan Banks and implemented entirely voluntary membership for Federal Home Loan Banks. Management cannot predict the effect that these changes may have with respect to its Federal Home Loan Bank membership.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

An investment in shares of our common stock involves various risks. Before deciding to invest in our common stock, you should carefully consider the risks described below in conjunction with the other information in this offering memorandum, including the items included as exhibits. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed by any of the following risks or by other risks that have not been identified or that we may believe are immaterial or unlikely. The value or market price of our common stock could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. The risks discussed below also include forward-looking statements, and our actual results may differ substantially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements.

Our increased emphasis on commercial lending may expose us to increased lending risks.

At December 31, 2005, our loan portfolio consisted of $45.7 million, or 23.7%, of commercial real estate loans and $70.7 million, or 35.7%, of commercial business loans. We have increased our emphasis on these types of loans since we converted to a national bank charter in July 2003. These types of loans generally expose a lender to greater risk of non-payment and loss than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans because repayment of the loans often depends on the successful operation of the property and the income stream of the borrowers. Such loans typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers compared to one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. Commercial business loans expose us to additional risks since they typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayments from the cash flow of the borrower’s business and are secured by non-real estate collateral that may depreciate over time. In addition, since such loans generally entail greater risk than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans, we may need to increase our allowance for loan losses in the future to account for the likely increase in probable incurred credit losses associated with the growth of such loans. Also, many of our commercial borrowers have more than one loan outstanding with us. Consequently, an adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship can expose us to a significantly greater risk of loss compared to an adverse development with respect to a one- to four-family residential mortgage loan.

The unseasoned nature of a significant portion of our commercial loan portfolio may result in errors in judging its collectibility, which may lead to additional loan charge-offs and provisions for loan losses, which would hurt our profits.

Our commercial loan portfolio, which includes loans secured by commercial real estate as well as business assets, has increased from $21.9 million, or 13.9% of total loans, at September 30, 2001 to $116.3 million, or 60.4% of total loans, at December 31, 2005. A large portion of our commercial loan portfolio is unseasoned and does not provide us with a significant payment history pattern with which to judge future collectibility. These loans have also not been subjected to unfavorable economic conditions. As a result, it is difficult to predict the future performance of this part of our loan portfolio. These loans may have delinquency or charge-off levels above our historical experience, which could adversely affect our future performance. Further, commercial loans generally have larger balances and involve a greater risk than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. Accordingly, if we make any

 

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errors in judgment in the collectibility of our commercial loans, any resulting charge-offs may be larger on a per loan basis that those incurred with our residential mortgage loan portfolio.

Our market area limits our growth potential.

Some of our offices are located in areas that have experienced population and economic decline. Thus, our ability to originate loans and grow deposits in these areas may be limited. To counter this, we have attempted to expand our operations into communities that are experiencing population growth and economic expansion. This was the impetus for the opening of our banking center in Rock Hill in York County. However, we can provide no assurance that we will be able to successfully enter new markets with similar growth potential. If we are unable to do so, our ability to grow our business and our earnings will be restricted.

Strong competition within our market area could hurt our profits and slow growth.

We face intense competition both in making loans and attracting deposits. This competition has made it more difficult for us to make new loans and has occasionally forced us to offer higher deposit rates. Price competition for loans and deposits might result in us earning less on our loans and paying more on our deposits, which reduces net interest income. According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, as of June 30, 2005, we held 9.1% of the deposits in Fairfield, Laurens, Union and York counties, South Carolina, which was the third largest market share of deposits out of the 16 financial institutions that held deposits in these counties. Some of the institutions with which we compete have substantially greater resources and lending limits than we have and may offer services that we do not provide. We expect competition to increase in the future as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and the continuing trend of consolidation in the financial services industry. Our profitability depends upon our continued ability to compete successfully in our market area.

Certain interest rate movements may hurt our earnings and asset value.

Interest rates have recently been at historically low levels. However, since June 30, 2004, the U.S. Federal Reserve has increased its target for the federal funds rate fourteen times, from 1.00% to 4.50%. While these short-term market interest rates (which we use as a guide to price our deposits) have increased, longer-term market interest rates (which we use as a guide to price our longer-term loans) have not. Although this “flattening” of the market yield curve has not had a negative impact on our interest rate spread and net interest margin to date, if short-term interest rates continue to rise, and if rates on our deposits and borrowings reprice upwards faster than the rates on our long-term loans and investments, we would experience compression of our interest rate spread and net interest margin, which would have a negative effect on our profitability.

Changes in interest rates also affect the value of our interest-earning assets, and, in particular, our securities portfolio. Generally, the value of fixed-rate securities fluctuates inversely with changes in interest rates. Unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale are reported as a separate component of equity, net of tax. Decreases in the fair value of securities available-for-sale resulting from increases in interest rates could have an adverse effect on shareholders’ equity.

If the value of real estate in northwestern South Carolina were to decline materially, a significant portion of our loan portfolio could become under-collateralized, which could have a material adverse effect on us.

With most of our loans concentrated in the northwestern South Carolina, a decline in local economic conditions could adversely affect the value of the real estate collateral securing our loans. A decline in property values would diminish our ability to recover on defaulted loans by selling the real estate collateral, making it more likely that we would suffer losses on defaulted loans. Additionally, a decrease in asset quality could require additions to our allowance for loan losses through increased provisions for loan losses, which would hurt our profits. Also, a decline in local economic conditions may have a greater effect on our earnings and capital than on the earnings and capital of larger financial institutions whose real estate loan portfolios are more geographically diverse. Real estate values are affected by various factors in addition to local economic conditions, including, among other things, changes in general or regional economic conditions, governmental rules or policies and natural disasters.

 

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Our business is subject to the success of the local economy in which we operate.

Because the majority of our borrowers and depositors are individuals and businesses located and doing business in northwestern South Carolina, our success significantly depends to a significant extent upon economic conditions in northwestern South Carolina. Adverse economic conditions in our market area could reduce our growth rate, affect the ability of our customers to repay their loans and generally affect our financial condition and results of operations. Conditions such as inflation, recession, unemployment, high interest rates, short money supply, scarce natural resources, international disorders, terrorism and other factors beyond our control may adversely affect our profitability. We are less able than a larger institution to spread the risks of unfavorable local economic conditions across a large number of diversified economies. Any sustained period of increased payment delinquencies, foreclosures or losses caused by adverse market or economic conditions in the State of South Carolina could adversely affect the value of our assets, revenues, results of operations and financial condition. Moreover, we cannot give any assurance we will benefit from any market growth or favorable economic conditions in our primary market areas if they do occur.

The trading history of our common stock is characterized by low trading volume. Our common stock may be subject to sudden decreases.

Although our common stock trades on Nasdaq National Market, it has not been regularly traded. We cannot predict whether a more active trading market in our common stock will occur or how liquid that market might become. A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends upon the presence in the marketplace of willing buyers and sellers of our common stock at any given time, which presence is dependent upon the individual decisions of investors, over which we have no control.

The market price of our common stock may be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed in other risk factors and the following:

 

    actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results;

 

    changes in interest rates;

 

    changes in the legal or regulatory environment in which we operate;

 

    press releases, announcements or publicity relating to us or our competitors or relating to trends in our industry;

 

    changes in expectations as to our future financial performance, including financial estimates or recommendations by securities analysts and investors;

 

    future sales of our common stock;

 

    changes in economic conditions in our marketplace, general conditions in the U.S. economy, financial markets or the banking industry; and

 

    other developments affecting our competitors or us.

These factors may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance, and could prevent you from selling your common stock at or above the price you desire. In addition, the stock markets, from time to time, experience extreme price and volume fluctuations that may be unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of companies. These broad fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock, regardless of our trading performance.

 

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We operate in a highly regulated environment and we may be adversely affected by changes in laws and regulations.

Provident Community Bank, N.A. is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, its chartering authority and federal regulator, and by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, as insurer of its deposits. Union Financial Bancshares is subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve Board. Such regulation and supervision govern the activities in which an institution and its holding company may engage, and are intended primarily for the protection of the insurance fund and for the depositors and borrowers of Provident Community Bank, N.A. The regulation and supervision by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation are not intended to protect the interests of investors in Union Financial Bancshares common stock. Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the imposition of restrictions on our operations, the classification of our assets and determination of the level of our allowance for loan losses. Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, legislation or supervisory action, may have a material impact on our operations.

Provisions of our certificate of incorporation, bylaws and Delaware law, as well as federal banking regulations, could delay or prevent a takeover of us by a third party.

Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and the corporate law of the State of Delaware could delay, defer or prevent a third party from acquiring us, despite the possible benefit to our shareholders, or otherwise adversely affect the price of our common stock. These provisions include: supermajority voting requirements for certain business combinations; the election of directors to staggered terms of three years; and advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our board of directors and for proposing matters that shareholders may act on at shareholder meetings. In addition, we are subject to Delaware laws, including one that prohibits us from engaging in a business combination with any interested shareholder for a period of three years from the date the person became an interested shareholder unless certain conditions are met. These provisions may discourage potential takeover attempts, discourage bids for our common stock at a premium over market price or adversely affect the market price of, and the voting and other rights of the holders of, our common stock. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for you and other shareholders to elect directors other than the candidates nominated by our Board.

 

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Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

 

Item 2. Properties

The Corporation owns two banking offices and an operations center in Union, South Carolina, two banking offices in Winnsboro, South Carolina and a banking office in each of Laurens, Jonesville and Rock Hill, South Carolina. The net book value of the Corporation’s investment in premises and equipment totaled approximately $5.1 million at December 31, 2005. See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. All property is in good condition and meets the operating needs of the Corporation.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

Neither Union Financial nor the Bank is engaged in any legal proceedings of a material nature at the present time. From time to time, the Bank is involved in routine legal proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business wherein it enforces the Bank’s security interest in mortgage loans the Bank has made.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.

PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

For information related to the market for common equity and related stockholder matters, the information contained under the section captioned “Common Stock Market Price and Dividend Information” in the Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Period

  

Total

Number of

Shares

Purchased

  

Average

Price Paid

Per Share

  

Total Number

of Shares

Purchased

as Part of

Publicly

Announced Plans
or

Programs

  

Maximum

Number of Shares

that May Yet be

Purchased Under

the Plans or
Programs

October 1, 2005 through October 31, 2005

   —        —      —      127,282

November 1, 2005 through November 30, 2005

   27,460    $ 18.29    27,460    99,822

December 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005

   —        —      —      99,822

Total

   27,460    $ 18.29    27,460   

(1) In November 2004, the Corporation implemented a share repurchase program under which the Corporation may repurchase up to 5% of the outstanding shares or 98,000 shares. In May 2005, the program was expanded by an additional 5% or 95,000 shares. The repurchase program will continue until it is completed or terminated by the Board of Directors.

 

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The information contained in the section captioned “Selected Financial and Other Data” in the Annual Report are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The information contained in the section captioned “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The information contained in the section captioned “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Asset and Liability Management” in the Annual Report are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The financial statements contained in the Annual Report are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

No changes in or disagreements with the Corporation’s independent accountants on accounting and financial disclosure has occurred during the two most recent fiscal years.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon their evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective for the purpose of ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) (1) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In addition, based on that evaluation, no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2005 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

 

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PART III

 

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

For information concerning the Board of Directors of Union Financial, the information contained under the section captioned “Proposal I — Election of Directors” and “Directors’ Compensation” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is made to the cover page of this Form 10-K and to the section captioned “Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act” for information regarding compliance with section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.

For information concerning the Corporation’s code of ethics, the information contained under the section captioned “Corporate Governance — Code of Business Conduct” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. A copy of the code of ethics is available, without charge, upon written request to Wanda J. Wells, Corporate Secretary, Union Financial Bancshares, Inc., 203 West Main Street, Union, South Carolina 29379.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Certain executive officers of the Bank also serve as executive officers of Union Financial. The day-to-day management duties of the executive officers of Union Financial and the Bank relate primarily to their duties as to the Bank. The executive officers of Union Financial currently are as follows:

 

Name

   Age(1)   

Position as of

December 31, 2005

Dwight V. Neese

   55    President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Richard H. Flake

   57    Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer

Lud W. Vaughn

   55    Executive Vice President - Chief Operating Officer

Edward A. Brock

   44    Senior Vice President of the Bank

Wanda J. Wells

   50   

Senior Vice President - Chief Administrative Officer and

Corporate Secretary

Mark F. Pack

   40    Senior Vice President of the Bank

Henry G. Alexander, Jr.

   45    Vice President - Commercial Lending of the Bank

Carolyn H. Belue

   49    Vice President - Operations Manager of the Bank

Brenda Billardello

   46    Vice President - Marketing Director of the Bank

Lisa G. Morris

   33    Vice President - Union Market Executive of the Bank

Lori H. Patrick

   38    Vice President - York Market Executive of the Bank

Susan D. Taylor

   45    Vice President - Fairfield Market Executive of the Bank

Jeff Thompson

   34    Vice President - Laurens Market Executive of the Bank

(1) At December 31, 2005.

Dwight V. Neese was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank effective September 5, 1995. As President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and Union Financial, Mr. Neese is responsible for daily operations of the Bank and implementation of the policies and procedures approved by the Board of Directors.

Richard H. Flake joined the Company in September 1995.

Lud W. Vaughn joined the Company in April 2003. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Vaughn was Senior Vice President for Bank of America in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Edward A. Brock joined the Company in November 2002. Before joining the Company, Mr. Brock was a vice president—commercial banking for First Citizens Bank from December 2001 to November 2002 and a vice president -commercial lender of Bank of America form 1993 until December 2001.

Wanda J. Wells has been employed by the Company since 1975.

 

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Mark F. Pack joined the Company in December 2004. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Pack was Vice President and Senior Commercial Account Manager for SouthTrust Bank in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Henry G. Alexander, Jr. has been employed by the Company since 1983.

Carolyn H. Belue has been employed by the Company since 1979.

Brenda Billardello joined the Company in December 2004. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Billardello was a vice president of the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Lisa G. Morris has been employed by the Company since 1999.

Lori H. Patrick has been employed by the Company since 1987.

Susan D. Taylor has been employed by the Company since 1995.

Jeff Thompson has been employed by the Company since 2000.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information contained under the sections captioned “Executive Compensation” and “Directors’ Compensation” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

  (a) Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Stock Ownership” in the Proxy Statement.

 

  (b) Security Ownership of Management

Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Stock Ownership” in the Proxy Statement.

 

  (c) Management of Union Financial knows of no arrangements, including any pledge by any person of securities of Union Financial, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the registrant.

 

  (d) Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

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The following table sets forth information about the Company common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of stock options, warrants and rights under all of the Company’s equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2005.

 

Plan category

  

Number of securities

to be issued upon exercise

of outstanding options,

warrants and rights (a)

  

Weighted-average

exercise price of

outstanding options,

warrants and rights (b)

  

Number of securities

remaining available for

future issuance under

equity compensation

plans (excluding securities
reflected in column (a)) (c)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

   120,966    $ 13.30    6,373

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

   —        —      —  

Total

   120,966    $ 13.30    6,373

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Transactions with Management” in the Proxy Statement.

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Proposal 2-Ratification of Appointment of Auditors” in the Proxy Statement.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits

 

Exhibits    
  3(a)   Certificate of Incorporation(1)
  3(b)   Bylaws(2)
  3(c)   Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation dated January 22, 1997(3)
  3(d)   Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation dated January 28, 2004(4)
10(a)   Employment Agreement with Dwight V. Neese(5)
10(b)   Employment Agreement with Richard H. Flake(5)
10(c)   Union Financial Bancshares, Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan(6)
10(d)   Union Financial Bancshares, Inc. 2001 Stock Option Plan(7)
10(e)   Change in Control Agreement with Lud W. Vaughn(5)
10(f)   Change in Control Agreement with Edward A. Brock(8)
13       2005 Annual Report to Shareholders
21       Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23       Consent of Independent Auditor
31(a)   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31(b)   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
32        Section 1350 Certifications

(1) Incorporated herein by reference to Union Financial’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-80808) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 29, 1994.

 

(2) Incorporated herein by reference to Union Financial’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005.

 

(3) Incorporated herein by reference to Union Financial’s Form 10-KSB for the year ended September 30, 1997.

 

(4) Incorporated herein by reference to Union Financial’s 10-QSB for the quarter ended December 31, 2003.

 

(5) Incorporated herein by reference to Union Financial’s Form 10-KSB for the year ended September 30, 2003.

 

(6) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit A to Union Financial’s Proxy Statement for its 1996 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

(7) Incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A to Union Financial’s Proxy Statement for its 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

(8) Incorporated herein by reference to Union Financial’s Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

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SIGNATURES

In accordance with the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

   

UNION FINANCIAL BANCSHARES, INC.

Date: March 17, 2006

     

By:

 

/s/ Dwight V. Neese

         

Dwight V. Neese

President and Chief Executive Officer

In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By:

 

/s/ Dwight V. Neese

     

By:

 

/s/ Carl L. Mason

 

Dwight V. Neese

(Principal Executive Officer)

       

Carl L. Mason

Director

Date: March 17, 2006

     

Date: March 21, 2006

By:

 

/s/ Richard H. Flake

     

By:

 

/s/ Phillip C. Wilkins

 

Richard H. Flake

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

       

Phillip C. Wilkins

Director

Date: March 21, 2006

     

Date: March 21, 2006

By:

 

/s/ Robert H. Breakfield

       
 

Robert H. Breakfield

Director

       

Date: March 21, 2006

     

By:

 

/s/ James W. Edwards

       
 

James W. Edwards

Director

       

Date: March 21, 2006

     

By:

 

/s/ William M. Graham

       
 

William M. Graham

Director

       

Date: March 21, 2006

     

By:

 

/s/ Louis M. Jordan

       
 

Louis M. Jordan

Director

       

Date: March 21, 2006

     

 

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